He brushed our cold noses. “I tried, but who could be? You’re too sweet.”
I grinned and wiggled my hips. “So are you, Harvey.”
He leaned in for a kiss, and I deepened it. How could one person taste richer than hot chocolate? Or warm me from the inside out with just a smile? He had me under his spell more than any Christmas magic.
I straddled Harvey’s waist and he squeezed my ass under my skirt. Steam coated the inside of his car windows as we rocked our hips together. This was good. The right kind of naughty. And yet…
I groaned and pulled away. “I have to go. Rain check?”
Cursing, he laid his head back on the seat, then wiped his swollen lips. “Yeah, give me a second and I’ll drive you to your car.” He spread his knees and closed his eyes, his thumb grazing my leg.
I hummed and snuggled into his side, enjoying the smirk playing on his lips. “You look so relaxed.”
“In some ways, yeah.” He chuckled and adjusted his jeans.
“Silly.” I tsked and cuddled his arm, though I was kind of tempted to take care of his current appendage predicament. There was only one conversation I could think of that wouldn't result in me taking his clothes off. “I know we’ve only been on a few dates, but how should I introduce you to my family? Gentleman friend? World’s best barista?”
He chuckled. “I’m good with being ‘boyfriend.'"
“You want to be official with me?” I beamed.
He nodded, his dark gaze softening as he caressed my cheek. “In private, you can call me Daddy.”
I squealed and tackled him with a hug.
“Wait, you’re going to shatter something.” He laughed.
Gasping, I sat back. “Wait. What did you mean earlier when you talked about consequences?”
He looked away and played with his eyebrow ring. “I just meant I wouldn’t be as nice about everything. I’d distance myself from them. Which might mean seeing you less or you getting crap from them. Though you could always come to my apartment.”
That wasn’t nearly as bad as I was imagining. “I like your place,” I said. “I’m a little nervous about you seeing where I live.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. It’s very bare, but lived-in.” We hadn’t painted since I was twelve, and the walls always faintly smelled like the most recent meal.
“It won’t change anything.” He kissed my cheek, then helped me get my car ready.
Eventually, I got home and braced myself with a chipper, “Hi everybody.”
“Shelby.” The little cousins rushed me.
“Finally.” Zack walked over with a burger in one hand and helped me extricate my coat. “You need something to eat?”
“Yes, please.” I managed to get the kids settled in front of the TV and walked over to the kitchen with Zack.
Mom stiffened and left the room as soon as she saw me. I guessed she was taking my request for space pretty seriously.
Zack handed me a plate and started filling another for himself.
I nudged his elbow. “What number burger is this?”
“Shoveling takes energy. I need to load up on calories,” he said.
“Me too," I said.
“From what? Line monitoring?” he mocked.
